AJ Bell Great North Run 2023 – Statement from Paul Foster
Paul Foster, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company said, “Yesterday’s unprecedented weather conditions had a significant effect on people leaving the finish line of the Great North Run in South Shields.
“After the hottest Great North Run on record, we experienced 30-50 mm of rain in the space of an hour, which is on par with the average monthly rainfall for the area. This weather phenomenon, which the Met Office has categorised as a mesoscale storm, resulted in flash flooding across the borough.
“The roads most significantly impacted were those around Tyne Dock. This is the route many people were using to leave the area while the race route was still closed to traffic. Road reopening times were then delayed by an hour, due to flooding at multiple locations.
“The weather also meant that the metro service between Bede and Tyne Dock was suspended for an hour and that the Ferry was unable to run due to low visibility for a period of time.
“Buses that were scheduled to move runners away from the finish line were caught up in the resulting traffic congestion, which meant people were waiting for extended periods in bad weather.
“In a response coordinated with Nexus and South Tyneside Council, we were able to redeploy a number of our baggage buses to be used as passenger transport, adding an additional 2500 available journeys back to Newcastle, our staff were on site managing queues and were prioritsing vulnerable passengers as well as handing out additional foil blankets to those waiting.
“We made marquees available to those seeking shelter and had rest centres in South Shields on standby.
“Stakeholders including Nexus, all three local authorities, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police deployed resources to priority areas to manage flooding and congestion.
“After a fantastic day of running, we’re sorry so many people had a challenging journey home, and we appreciated the patience and understanding of runners yesterday as we worked hard to get everyone safely on their way.”
Related Articles
1/11
What to Expect at this year’s AJ Bell Great South Run
The AJ Bell Great South Run weekend is back for another spectacular celebration of running.
Top British Athletes to Battle it Out at the AJ Bell Great South Run
The stage is set for another thrilling race at the AJ Bell Great South Run with a high calibre British field assembled once again for the iconic 10-mile event.
Power of Running: Phil Pollard
At 82 years and six months, Phil Pollard, from Alverstoke, Hampshire, is still passionate about running.
Power of Running: Stephen Hore
Stephen Hore, 41, from Southbourne/Emsworth, is gearing up to run the Great South Run for the first time this year,
Power of Running: Michelle Stone
Michelle Stone, soon to be 47, will be celebrating her birthday in a special way this year – by taking part in the Great South Run.
Power of Running: Gerard Beauvoisin
At 64 years old, Gerard Beauvoisin, from North End, Portsmouth, has been running for nearly four decades.
Team Kerr Takes on AJ Bell Great South Run
Team Kerr, from County Down, Northern Ireland, is taking on the AJ Bell Great South Run on Sunday 20 October.
Hoyle Family Takes on Junior & Mini Challenge
The Hoyle family is excited to participate in this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run.
Runners, Ready? Gladiators to Host Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
Runners, ready? It’s official, stars of the BBC’s Gladiators, Sabre & Apollo, will be joining the fun this Saturday 5 October.
Official Starters Confirmed for AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Scotland Internationalists and Glasgow Warriors teammates Duncan Weir & Kyle Steyn will ring the official start bell at the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.
NF1 Super Warriors Conall and Kayden’s Race to Race Awareness
It’s a full weekend of running at this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run for Mum Kirsty and sons Conall 8 and Kayden 4.
